Hull V Huddersfield at The KC Stadium : Match Preview

14 December 2012 03:31

Hull boss Steve Bruce is set to make one change for their lunchtime clash with Huddersfield at the KC Stadium.

Defender Paul McShane limped out of last weekend's 2-1 win at Watford with a leg injury and is unlikely to be fit for the visit of the Terriers.

However, Bruce has confirmed the injury is just soft-tissue damage and the Republic of Ireland international is expected to be back for the Christmas period, with Jack Hobbs due to come in to the Tigers defence.

Bruce will still be without striker Sone Aluko, who has missed the last three games with an Achilles injury.

The eight-goal leading marksman has had an injection in the joint and could also be back for the festive period.

Striker Matty Fryatt (Achilles) and defender Joe Dudgeon (knee) remain long-term absentees, but defenders Abdoulaye Faye and Liam Rosenior as well as German striker Nick Proschwitz are all pushing for recalls as the Tigers look to secure three wins on the bounce.

Keith Southern will return to Huddersfield's ranks for the trip.

The midfielder has served his three-match ban for the red card he picked up in the 1-1 draw at Charlton and he comes back into Simon Grayson's plans.

However, defender Paul Dixon will play no part as he serves a one-match ban of his own after picking up five yellow cards.

Grayson will run the rule over defender Joel Lynch and striker Jermaine Beckford (both hamstring) who are still classed as doubts.

Lynch has been out of action since the home defeat to Leeds at the start of the month while Beckford, who has scored three goals in six games, has not played since the derby clash at Barnsley in early November.

Sean Scannell and James Vaughan both made their returns from injury in last week's draw with Bolton and should continue to be involved at the KC Stadium.

The Terriers, who come up against former manager Bruce, are chasing a first win in six games.